Without properly functioning escalators, millions of people would not be able to move easily and safely through institutional and commercial facilities. While the percentage of injuries and deaths relative to the number of trips that escalators make is small, even one is too many.
Recent incidents in Pittsburgh and Rome offer reminders of the threat escalators can pose to users if not properly inspected and repaired. The latest escalator incident, at American Family Field in Milwaukee, offers yet another reminder of the need for effective escalator maintenance.
Eleven people were injured at a Milwaukee Brewers game on June 29 when an escalator malfunctioned at American Family Field, sending fans plummeting to the floor, according to The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The incident happened after the end of a Brewers game against the Chicago Cubs.
An escalator at the stadium moving fans from the terrace level to loge level “malfunctioned,” resulting in “an increased downward speed,” according to a statement from the team, which added the escalator will not operate “until the cause is determined, repairs are made and the city inspects.”
“All of the escalators in the ballpark were thoroughly inspected overnight by our service provider and were declared safe for use today,” according to the statement.
Upgrades to the stadium's 10 escalators, nine elevators and 10 wheelchair lifts are among long-term improvements and renovations to be financed through $500 million in public funding that was recently approved. The funds include $365.8 million from the state of Wisconsin and $67.5 million each from the city of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County to pay for that work over nearly 30 years.
Escalators and elevators typically have 20- to 25-year lifespans, according to the statement. American Family Field opened in 2001.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
